Work Practices and Respiratory Health Status of Appalachian Coal Miners With Progressive Massive Fibrosis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to characterize workplace practices and respiratory health among coal miners with large opacities consistent with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) who received care at a federally funded black lung clinic network in Virginia.

METHODS:

Participants were interviewed about their workplace practices and respiratory health. Medical records were reviewed.

RESULTS:

Nineteen former coal miners were included. Miners reported cutting rock, working downwind of dust-generating equipment, nonadherence to mine ventilation plans (including dust controls), improper sampling of respirable coal mine dust exposures, working after developing respiratory illness, and suffering from debilitating respiratory symptoms.

CONCLUSION:

Consistent themes of suboptimal workplace practices contributing to development of PMF emerged during the interviews. Some of the practices reported were unsafe and unacceptable. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of these factors and how best to address them.

• Authors: Laura E Reynolds, David J Blackley, Jay F Colinet, J Drew Potts, Eileen Storey, Connie Short, Ron Carson, Kathleen A Clark, A Scott Laney, Cara N Halldin
• Journal: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine (J Occup Environ Med) Vol. 60 Issue 11 Pg. e575-e581 (11 2018) ISSN: 1536-5948 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 30199471 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Air Pollutants, Occupational
• Dust

Topics

• Air Pollutants, Occupational
• Appalachian Region
• Coal Mining
• Dust
• Environmental Monitoring
• Fibrosis
• Humans
• Lung (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Lung Diseases (diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Occupational Diseases (diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)
• Occupational Exposure
• Respiratory Protective Devices
• Severity of Illness Index
• Symptom Assessment
• Ventilation (standards)